Congregational Development Update: Council Approves Grant for St. George’s, Hilton

By:

Matthew Townsend

ROCHESTER, N.Y. - In its ongoing work to support congregational development in the Episcopal Diocese of Rochester, Diocesan Council has approved a 2013 Congregational Development Grant for St. George’s Episcopal Church in Hilton. The $50,000 grant, which supports St. George’s hiring of a full-time rector, is a continuation of funding received by the church in 2012.

In 2012, St. George’s vestry anticipated need for $57,000 in grant money in 2013 - a $52,000 Congregational Development Partnership Grant combined with a $5,000 development grant established several years ago. However, St. George’s leadership cut their total request to $50,000 after improvements in numbers, reducing the grant request and eliminating the need for the legacy grant. The leadership at St. George’s expect continued growth and are happy to be able to give back $7,000 to help other parishes in need.

Like all recent Congregational Development Grant recipients, St. George’s congregation participated in a strategic planning process to assess the church’s place in the community and hopes for the future. An article by Warden Dick Renehan about St. George’s use of Appreciative Inquiry appears in the Winter 2013 issue of Tidings. Look for a copy at your parish soon.